As the title says, I am possibly looking at buying an explorer most likely in the 06-09 year range. It would be a 4x4 and I would prefer the V8 but it looks like the V6 is alot more common. I am looking for your opinions on what you like and dislike about this year range, any common issues, and real world fuel mileage on both the v8 and 4.0L V6; also what the power difference is between the two. I have owned a couple of rangers with the 4.0 in them but the newest one was a 98 so I know the engine has changed since then but it was always a really reliable engine for me in my trucks.

Thanks

 

Nobody?





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Wow, 163 views and not a single comment. Must not be as many people on this end of the forum. To answer my own question partially in case anybody searches on here for info: It appears that the 06 and early 07's are bad years and should be avoided due to leaky radiators that would cause overheating and warped heads. The transmissions were also prone to failure which starts with a hard shift into reverse and than domino's into the rest of the tranny. I believe the issue was caused by a bad torque plate in the transmission but not 100% sure on that. It starts with reverse and then moves into hard/clunky down shifts.

I will most likely be looking at 08-10 models now. The only complaint I have found with those year ranges is that is when the crossovers were starting to get popular so a comparable crossover had more hp and better mpg than the "outdated" 4.0L v6.

 

Go V8. The six is thirsty and noisy, and despite the upgrades for the cam chain tensioners, they are still a question mark. Mileage in the real world will be similar if not the same. Don't know the power figures but the V8 has the edge there.

Transmissions like regular service and clean fluid. Make sure it shifts right and does not flare between shifts. Give it a WOT run.

All other standard used car cautions apply, prior accidents, check alignment, brakes etc etc.

Good luck with it.

 

I had owned a 06 Ltd 4.6l starting at 22K to 102K miles. I had ext warranty that covered many of the wiz bangs that were on the Limited that went bad and the radiator and I think the cam chain or timing chain. It pulled my 8K boat no problem and could get up to 26mpg on highway at legal speeds with the 6 sp trans but it drank gas in the city.


I just picked up a 06 XLT 4.0L and so far it does get better mpg in city but haven't driven it on highway yet.


I owned 2 previous models both 4.0L and 5.0 AWD too. Pretty solid vehicles that are useful.

 

Good to know. I would prefer the 4.6L but they aren't very common around here surprisingly. Plus when you do find one they think the v8 adds an extra 3 grand to the asking price. You would think it was diesel in there for that big a price jump!

 

LOL...diesel
Funny you said that I was reading about the Jeep Grand Cherokee with diesel option (used) and think those look to be a good alternative. Similiar size and tow ratings but diesel efficiency of well back to the Fords...

If you are dead set on one don't be afraid to look beyond your own area. I did a state wide search to find a used 06 (1st year with 3v engine) with towing package and 3rd row. I found only 2 used ones that had one and luckily one wasn't far away but I have bought vehicles from as far as FL when looking for something specific within my budget.

 

I have an 09 Explorer EB 4x4 with V6. I get 15 -16 around town and +/- 19 on the highway unless pulling my boat. Then I get 14. I have used it off-road and on boat ramps. It is a little low slung with 7.5" clearance. I managed to knock off the driver side running board. So, I removed the passenger side which provides no problem for my wife to get in or out.

Other than the above, it is a nice ride, comfortable and quiet. My wife likes it so since I got my F-150, she uses it as her daily driver.